{"id":40967,"date":"2019-08-28T16:19:01","date_gmt":"2019-08-28T14:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/?p=40967"},"modified":"2019-09-04T16:29:55","modified_gmt":"2019-09-04T14:29:55","slug":"passing-cambridge-c1-advanced-part-2-reading-use-of-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/passing-cambridge-c1-advanced-part-2-reading-use-of-english\/","title":{"rendered":"Passing Cambridge C1 Advanced: Part 2 Reading & Use of English"},"content":{"rendered":"

So, you\u2019ve completed the Reading and Use of English Part 1<\/a> of your Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE). Now it\u2019s time to sit back and enjoy the rest of the exam. But when you turn to Part 2, you see something which looks the same, only they\u2019ve taken away all of the multiple choice options!<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t panic though. With the right preparation, time management, and exam strategy, you\u2019ll be fine.<\/p>\n

In this edition of our Passing Cambridge C1 Advanced guide, we\u2019ll give you information about what to expect in Part 2. We\u2019ll also show you what they\u2019re testing you on, as well as useful tips and advice for tackling this section of the exam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is in Part 2?<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

You\u2019re given a short text with 8 gaps in it. You need to complete each gap with only one word, not including abbreviations or contractions. The completed sentence needs to make sense<\/strong><\/em><\/span> both grammatically and in the context as a whole.<\/p>\n

Once again, there is an example of what you need to do, numbered (0) – so make sure you don\u2019t complete this one too by mistake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What are they testing me on in Part 2?<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

On first impression it may look like Part 2 could be testing you on every word under the sun<\/strong><\/em><\/span>. However, there is actually a much smaller focus in Part 2 than Part 1.<\/p>\n

All of the missing words will either be very common grammatical items<\/strong>, such as articles, auxiliary verbs, prepositions or pronouns, or key vocabulary words in the context of the text<\/strong>. These can include parts of a phrasal verb, a linking word, or a word in a fixed expression.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at a couple of examples. What do you think they are testing you on in these two gaps?<\/p>\n

This research shows, if (15)……..else, that language is a social activity, not something invented (16)………isolation.<\/em><\/p>\n

If you said the missing word for (15) was nothing<\/em>, great! This is an example of a missing key vocabulary word which fits into the fixed linking expression if nothing else<\/em>. It works well in the context of the sentence as a whole.<\/p>\n

As for number (16), the word you need is grammatical and something which is typically found with the words around it. So well done if you correctly said the preposition in<\/em>!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How should I answer the questions?<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

There\u2019s only one mark available for each correct answer. That makes it important to complete Part 2 swiftly<\/strong><\/em><\/span> in order to save as much time as possible for the later sections.<\/p>\n

By following this strategy you will hopefully do well and save some time too:<\/p>\n

1. Read the title of the text first, it will give you an idea about its content and any key arguments you might find in it.<\/p>\n

2. Next read the text all the way through without thinking about what word might be in each space. This will help you identify the context of each sentence and paragraph. This is very important for any missing linking words like if<\/em>, despite<\/em>, and although<\/em>.<\/p>\n

3. If, when you\u2019re reading it for the first time, some of the missing words come to mind, then write them in straight away. It\u2019s really important to trust your instincts in Part 2, but be aware of false friends<\/strong><\/em><\/span> or any common translation errors.<\/p>\n

4. Now go back to the beginning. Look again at each gap, as well as the words and context around it. What do you think the type of word might be? Does it look like it\u2019s in the middle of a fixed expression? Or could it be a preposition or article? Thinking about the type of word can help you to narrow down<\/strong><\/em><\/span> your choices.<\/p>\n

5. Once you\u2019ve put a word in each gap, go back and read it again from beginning to end. Does it seem to make sense? If not, don\u2019t be afraid to make some last minute adjustments.<\/p>\n

6. Copy your answers onto the separate answer sheet, and never leave anything blank. You don\u2019t lose anything for wrong answers, so if in doubt, make a guess.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tips for Studying and Resources<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

As we said in our previous post about Passing Reading and Use of English Part 1<\/a>, the best way to prepare for this part of the exam is to read as much in English as you can handle<\/strong><\/em><\/span>!<\/p>\n

(Question taken from Cambridge C1 Advanced sample paper<\/a> on their website)<\/p>\n